Courtois wants Chelsea to decide on future

ESPN staff

January 24, 2014

Diego Simeone wants permanent Thibaut Courtois deal

Thibaut Courtois has called on Chelsea to make up their minds whether they want him for next season or not.

Courtois, 21, is in his third season on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, and has impressed hugely during his time in La Liga - playing a key role as the team won the Europa League, European Super Cup and Copa del Rey trophies.

The day after Atletico coach Diego Simeone said that "without a doubt" he would pay €26 million for the goalkeeper if he could, the player himself has told La Sexta
that the ball was currently in Chelsea's court - and he had not spoken yet with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho about his future.

"I know that [Atletico] want to make an effort [to sign me], but it depends on Chelsea, on what they want and how much they are going to ask," Courtois said. "First my agent is going to talk with Chelsea to see when I can speak with someone there, and from there we can take another step.

"Now Atleti are waiting until Chelsea says something. Maybe by the end of March, more or less."

Courtois said he knew competing with current Chelsea No. 1 Petr Cech could be difficult, and the most important thing for him was to keep playing regularly.

"It is not up to me to say I am going to be No. 1," Courtois said. "But neither do I want to go to a team and not play. I want to play, if not at Chelsea, then at another team."

Courtois said he had no knowledge of a potential swap involving Atletico centre-forward Diego Costa, which has been speculated in the media.

"These are just rumours," he said. "I know nothing about that."

A question about possible interest from Barcelona was also batted away. "I am interested in Atleti and Chelsea," Courtois said. "First there must be talks with Chelsea about their plans, and then to see if there is something else. But at the moment it is just Atleti and Chelsea."